Karnataka’s proposed Permanent Residence Certificate ‘illegal’, threatens federal structure: R. Ashoka
Bengaluru: Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R. Ashoka on Wednesday alleged that the state government’s proposal to issue a Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) is unconstitutional and could undermine India’s federal structure.
Speaking after leading a BJP delegation to meet Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and submitting a memorandum, Ashoka said the party had urged the Governor not to approve the proposal if it is placed before him for assent.
In a post on social media platform X, Ashoka contended that matters relating to citizenship, identification of foreign nationals and immigration fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Union government under the Constitution. He alleged that the state’s move to issue Permanent Residence Certificates was contrary to the constitutional framework.
The BJP leader also expressed concern over the timing of the proposal, stating that introducing such a measure while the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is underway across the country could have implications for national security. He alleged that illegal immigrants could misuse the system by obtaining certificates through forged documents and subsequently gain access to government welfare schemes and voting rights. The state government has not responded to these allegations.
Ashoka further claimed that authorising the Revenue Department to issue such certificates could increase the risk of corruption and the creation of fake documents. He argued that the move could adversely affect educational opportunities, employment and welfare benefits meant for local Kannadigas.
According to Ashoka, the BJP has requested the Governor to seek a detailed report on whether the Union government was consulted before the proposal was drafted and whether adequate legal procedures for verifying Indian citizenship were followed. The party has also urged the Governor to direct the state government to withdraw the proposal.
The BJP has additionally sought a high-level probe into birth certificates allegedly issued through courts and Lok Adalats after the commencement of the Special Intensive Revision process. The Karnataka government has not yet issued an official response to the BJP’s allegations.
